DTIC ADA029262: Radar Detectability of Light Aircraft

by: Defense Technical Information Center

Publication date: 1976-04-01

Topics: DTIC Archive, Patriarche, M. V., Venier, G. O., Lewis, J. R., COMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH CENTRE OTTAWA (ONTARIO), *TARGET DETECTION, *AIRCRAFT, AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS, AIRPORT RADAR SYSTEMS, COHERENT RADAR, RADAR REFLECTIONS, SEARCH RADAR, MOVING TARGET INDICATORS, PROBABILITY DENSITY FUNCTIONS, CANADA, RADAR CROSS SECTIONS,

Collection: dticarchive; additional_collections

Language: English

A study has been made of the factors determining the ability of radar to detect light aircraft. Previously published work in this area was reviewed, and two series of experiments, in the time frame 1973 - 1975, were carried out to investigate the characteristics of the radar echo from light aircraft in flight. One series of experiments was carried out using the calibrated CRC coherent radar. The other series, conducted with the cooperation of the Ministry of Transport, made use of an operational Air Traffic Control radar. The findings of the study are summarized, and recommendations are made concerning the design, siting, and operation of Air Traffic Control primary radars to improve their detection performance.